Summer

Chapter 9

I scrummage through my closet in hopes that I can find something nice to wear to this party. I don't know why a part of me — a very small part — wants to try and impress Noah.

After basically trying on everything that I packed, I end up opting for an off-shoulder floral dress and a pair of low-top white sneakers. I pull my hair in a high pony and put on my small gold hoop earrings, as well as a little blush, mascara, and some clear lip gloss.

I grab my purse when I hear honking from outside, and head down the spiral staircase to find Jacob standing by the front door. I should've known that he was going to say 'yes' when I invited him to come tonight. The guy does not turn down a party for anything.

"You look beautiful, sis," he says as I met him at the bottom step.

"Yeah?" I ask, grazing the top of my head. It's something I do when I'm nervous.

"Yeah," he grins, lending his hand out for me to take.

"You look very handsome," I say as we walk to the door. Jacob always cleans up nicely. He's wearing slim corduroy pants and a cream-colored crew neck t-shirt. I like when he combs over his light brown hair; it really makes his green eyes stand out.

"Showtime," he smiles as we approach the waiting BMW 7 Series Sedan in our driveway.

Kyle ended up driving, which worked out perfectly. He plays in the town's baseball league and has to get drug tested by the board every other week so he can't drink.

***

We arrive at our destination 10 minutes later and have no choice but to park a few blocks down because there must be at least 50 cars in front of us.

"What are you doing?" I ask Jacob when I catch him pouring a mini bottle of Jose Cuervo down his throat before we exit the car. "Where did you even get that from?"

"I have my ways," he winks.

"Jacob, watch the drinking tonight," I say as we leave the car and make our way towards the house.

"Fee, don't worry about me. This isn't my first rodeo."

"I know it's not. That's exactly why I'm worried."

There are two things in this world that make Jacob happy. Scratch that — three things: parties, girls, and alcohol. Where Jacob goes, trouble always follows, but I'm not letting that be the case tonight.

When we enter Justin's house, I'm tempted to tell Jacob not to leave me, but I want him to enjoy his night. Plus, I have Cassie. Or do I? I end up losing her 5 minutes in.

I'm not a huge drinker, so I walk past the bar and towards a sliding glass door that leads to the backyard. I plant myself on a lounge chair, which happens to be sandwiched between a couple making out and two girls hard-core gossiping. When one of the girls accidentally spills her vodka soda on my bag, I take that as my cue to walk back inside.

The living room has now turned into a dance floor, and I find myself needing fresh air and space, stat. The backyard won't do, and there's a bunch of guys blocking the front door, so that's not going to work either. I end up going with Option C: the stairs.

When I hit the second floor, I find two doors on the left and two on the right. All locked. Great. I ascend the next round of stairs and enter the first door that I see open.

I decide to keep the lights off, but shut the door, and walk towards the balcony. I open the sliding entrance and let the warm breeze hit my face. Finally, some peace and quiet.

As I look out into the yard, my mind immediately wanders to GWU. What can I expect? Will I make friends? What if I don't like my roommate? When all of a sudden, a voice disrupts my thoughts.

"I take it you're not feeling this party, either?"